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USL1 Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC

Youth Is Served as Hailstorm Secure First Win of 2024

March 19, 2024 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC News Release


TULSA, Okla. -- Fours were wild on Tuesday night as Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC got four goals from four different players to earn the club's fourth all-time win in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, a 4-1 victory over Tulsa Athletic.

"In the club's young history, we've made a point to progress in the Open Cup, so the standard has been set," Hailstorm coach Tim Murray said.

Hailstorm got standout performances from a pair of young players in the win, as 19-year-old McCain Clarke recorded his first career assist and 22-year-old Ethan Hoard did the same and followed that up with his first career goal.

"We were delighted to see the young players contribute this evening, it was a full team effort," Murray said.

The first half was all Hailstorm, but it took a dozen shots and more than 40 minutes for them to find the breakthrough. A corner from Clarke resulted in a goal mouth scramble and defender Lucky Opara poked it past Tulsa Athletic keeper Bryson Reed, giving Hailstorm a 1-0 lead at the break.

A goal in the second half came much quicker as Clarke's diagonal ball found Irvin Parra in one-on-one with reed and the Hailstorm forward slotted home in the 50th minute to give Hailstorm a 2-0 advantage.

"It's hard work paying off," Clarke said. "I'm thankful for all of the help from my teammates and coaches and blessed to have this opportunity."

Hoard's assist came 15 minutes later when he squared to fellow substitute Marky Hernández to score a third for Northern Colorado and his goal came in the 85th minute with a first Hailstorm assist for Chelo Martinez.

"It's unbelievable," Hoard said. "I feel good about tonight, obviously, hopefully there's more to come."

Tulsa Athletic grabbed a goal back on a stunning free kick from Rio Mello, denying Hailstorm the clean sheet.

Hailstorm will now return to USL League One play against Spokane Velocity FC at 7 p.m. Saturday in Spokane, and they are in the hat for the Open Cup Second Round, which will be played April 2-3.

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United Soccer League One Stories from March 19, 2024


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